Friday, June 8, 2012


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SHIPANNA-VIDA CONSULTANCY      ABN: 85268767473

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About Shipanna-vida

Shipanna-vida (Shipanna) is a Melbourne-based consultancy service established to provide expertise in health research and health-oriented programs. We work with non-government organisations (NGOs) and international non-government organisations (INGOs) whose programs are designed to improve the health and wellbeing of disadvantaged groups in low and middle-income settings.

Philosophy

Shipanna recognises the multiple implications of marginalization and disenfranchisement on the health and well-being of low and middle income groups.

Shipanna acknowledges the role of cross-cutting issues mainly gender, HIV/AIDS and climate change, in shaping the livelihoods of low-income and minority groups.

Shipanna realises the short and long-term implications of low representation and lack of self-determination of marginalised groups on their health and well-being.

Shipanna embraces the role of social determinants of health in determining the health and well-being of low and middle income communities.


Our services


Research

We offer high quality and professional expertise in qualitative health research focussing on:
§  HIV/AIDS
§  Sexual and Reproductive health
§  Tropical diseases
§  Infectious diseases
§  Food security in emergency and non-emergency settings

We have expertise in conducting:
-       Literature reviews
-       Baseline surveys
-       Pilot studies
-       Feasibility Studies
-       Scoping exercises
-       Field-based qualitative research

We have experience in:
-       Writing submissions for legislative change
-       Writing research proposals for funding
-       Peer reviews of academic articles
-       Monitoring and evaluation


Capacity Building

We provide high level professional training to health professionals in community health development. Training is tailored around specific needs of clients. Key topics covered in training include:

Research:
-       Conducting literature reviews
-       Qualitative research methods
-       Research ethics
-       Analysing qualitative data
-       Making sense of qualitative data
-       Surviving field research
-       Writing for publication

Advocacy and Lobbying
-       Defining advocacy and lobbying
-       Mounting a campaign
-       Writing for legislative change
-       Understanding the political landscape

Facilitation
-       Workshop/ Conference facilitation
-       Rapporteuring and report writing


Student mentoring

Clients whose topics revolve around health challenges of low-middle income populations are assisted in proposal development, project design and M&E techniques. Clientele receiving this service ranges from university/college students, community health services, national and international NGOs with programming interests in low-middle income settings.


Student scholarships

We provide high achieving students with expert advice on student scholarships and will put you in touch with respective and potential funders. Please note that Shipanna Consultancy is not a funding body. While we may provide you with all relevant advice, we do not provide sponsorship and our guidance is no guarantee that sponsorship will be procured. We do not take responsibility for a failed or rejected application for sponsorship.


Disaster preparedness and response

We have expertise and hands-on experience in strategic planning for emergency relief programs in low-middle income settings. Our efforts take into account the contextual setting and prevailing political landscape as useful factors in the planning process. We offer advice to NGOs assisting communities transitioning from relief to recovery, suggesting strategies for sustainable livelihoods based on context and need.

Monitoring and evaluation

Using the logical framework and other proven tools, we conduct monitoring and evaluation in a systematic and timely manner. Follow up meetings with clients are a necessity so as to allow face to face discussions on the processes employed in the M&E process and to deliberate on the possible implications of findings to future programming efforts.

Principal Consultant
Pauline Gwatirisa PhD: Pauline has extensive experience working in international health development. She has wide experience in applied field research; project management; capacity building; advocacy and lobbying; and monitoring and evaluation. She has worked extensively with low and middle income communities, promoting and advocating for improved health and well-being. Her doctorate was on household food security in low-income urban dwellers.

Technical Advisor
Blessing Shingirirai Mavima: Blessing holds a BA in International Relations from Grand Valley State University, Michigan, and a Masters degree in International Affairs from PennState University in Pennsylvania. He has obtained qualitative research skills in his undergraduate and higher degree training. He has proven capacity to write for academic publication, and has a sound knowledge of the processes of applied research.